The Bible

 

John 8:1-11 : The Woman Caught in Adultery

Study

1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Commentary

 

The Woman Caught in Adultery

By Junchol Lee


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According to Leviticus and Deuteronomy, the woman who was caught in adultery was punishable by death with stones. Yet, the teachings of Jesus have been mercy and forgiveness. Would it be still right to simply forgive an obvious offense? Or should it be punished according to the law? Forgiveness brings love and mercy, while utter leniency may not be the most appropriate way of living together in this world. How should we know what to do at each given moment?

(References: Apocalypse Explained 1224)